20 posts categorized "Writing questions"

December 11, 2014

Artist Mark Farid would like to live for 28 days as another person through an Oculus-Rift-like, virtual reality (VR) device. His project Seeing-I will take place in 2015 at a London gallery, based on the success of its Kickstarter campaign (and additional commercial and public funding).

"It’s to see if who we are is an individual identity, or if there is just a cultural identity that kind of takes us on,” says Farid. “I’ve grown up in the city my whole life. So everything that I’ve seen—the square gardens that we have, the tree that’s planted in that specific place, the way the wind travels down the road ... all of that is artificially created,” he says. “Every experience that we’re having is synthetic."

I'm curious how he will record these changes in identity. People write in a journal or diary to record personal thoughts or wander through writing in an attempt to solve problems or gain insight as they form their identity in real life (IRL). Could Farid write in a journal during his project?

If Farid were to keep a journal, a virtual reality technology could be an obstacle. With a headset constantly being worn throughout the project that shows another's life, Farid would not be able to see a journal and pen or laptop from his own perspective. This would make it impossible to write.

The desire to become another presents limitations, as well. Removing the headset to write during the project could take him out of the headspace of “Other”—the person whose life he will be virtually experiencing—too much. Doing so could even negate the immersive, identity-blending effects of living virtually as another.

For one hour during each 24-hour period, Farid will talk with a psychologist monitoring his health and well-being. Could he write down his thoughts for a bit during that time? Perhaps a modification in the VR headset could allow this? If so, who would Farid be writing for, and who would he be writing as?

Writing during this project could become an indicator of state of mind throughout it. If his identity is challenged or blended with the “Other” during this time, I think it would show in his writing, even though Farid may not be aware of it at the time. In addition, I wonder about the cognitive changes in his writing process that could occur. After looking through a virtual reality headset for so long, how would it affect his handwriting? Does a shift in the handwriting style signify some sort of identity shift, away from Mark Farid and towards someone else? How does a person attempting to live through another's life express written language, especially since whatpeople write is so tied to their thoughts and how they communicate?

I think adding a writing piece could result in a rich record of what the artist experiences during this project. If Farid cannot write during Seeing-I, he could write about the experience soon afterwards, in sort of a stream of consciousness/"brain-dump" way, to record as much memory, observation, analysis, and emotion from the experience as he can to refer to later.

Looking foward to hearing more about Seeing-I's progress. It hints at the possibility that science fiction offers with present society's beginning attempts to find virtual reality's place in our lives. The outcome could fuel creative imaginations, multimedia art and technology projects, and identity/virtual worlds research, also.

Interested in being the "Other"? Applications are being accepted here.

If understanding a brief history of virtual reality art projects intrigues you, read the above mentioned article from The Verge. It contains relevant outbound links to VR/art experiments that I had never heard of and is highly informative.

After some thought, I have decided to email the Seeing-I project about my ideas from this post, and I will update if I hear anything back that merits an interesting share.

UPDATE (12/18/14): I emailed this post to the Seeing-I project and heard back from Nimrod Vardi, Curator/Director of Arebyte Gallery, which will be hosting it. To clarify some of my questions above, Mr. Vardi explained that at this stage, "Mark cannot be doing any writing as he will not see what or where he is writing." Still, he is completely subject to the Other's activities. If the Other writes, then Mark would write, and the project will have to figure out how to make that work. In addition, Seeing-I will now receive funding from commercial and public sources, plus funds from the Kickstarter campaign. I'll post updates as the project proceeds.

June 10, 2014

I'm usually doing something else, like walking or writing or running around or researching something. And then there is a book in front of me, in my gaze, while I am in the midst of doing something else intensely.

My gaze will stop at a book among a sea of books: on shelves, in piles, at the top of a stack, in a bookstore window (both brick-and-mortar and virtual).

When a book stands out to me at these unexpected moments, I will usually pick up the book. If I hesitate and I still feel the book's pull, I will definitely pick it up, if I can (much easier to do with a book on a metal shelf than one on a computer screen).

Often these books are ones that I know, and I'll leaf through them looking for a word or phrase that catches my eye. Sometimes I'll reread a favorite passage or find new meaning in one that I hadn't really understood in that way on the prior pass.

This time, a book new to me stood out. I saw it on a library shelf, and I checked it out. Then its return date arrived, and I had to return it. Then I bought my own copy, and I keep reading it. It is full of questions that have no simple answers. Many of the questions are phrased in ways I never thought of. The pages are rich with collaged snippets of words and images, of colored drawings, paintings, pen-and-ink sketches, all combined on the same page.

I don't want to say any more about it because I don't want to spoil any of the mystery and surprise in the book, in case it finds you, too, and you feel compelled to pick it up.

However, I think I can feature a few of my favorite questions without giving too much away:

1. What is an idea made of? (p. 4)

2. (What) Where is a story before it becomes words? (p. 44)

3. Why do some images come back again and again? (p. 96)

These questions, and the time I am spending with this book, are triggering so many interesting ideas and thoughts. (I just discovered there is an "adjustable activity book" in the back. This has been very fruitful book serendipity.)

For those of you who enjoyed Cass's video also, I've got good news: he has created an online community. Its goal: to make creative people more effective and successful at their creative lives and careers. It is called, appropriately, "Dennis Cass Wants You To Be More Awesome."

DCWYTBMA is a site full of "advice, jokes and tough love for people who want to make a living making culture." Dennis regularly answers members' questions, providing sound advice on a variety of relevant topics. The community is active, full of creatives commenting with additional viewpoints and examples. Plus, he features an "Awesomizer" to help improve creative endeavors; it has made me look at some pop culture mainstays with a fresh perspective.

I strongly believe that participating in writing/creative groups (even online!) can help their participants grow in their work, get unstuck when creative blocks arise, and provide camaraderie and support when the creative road is nothing but potholes and speed traps. (If you have done anything creative ever in your life, then you know the ride can get bumpy...)

While reading Cass's articles and answers, I have laughed out loud many times. Knowledgeable creative-career guidance + original insights + active community + humor = WIN! And if you sign up, I'll see you there.

So, new visitors, what would you like to see here? I often take feedback from readers. Please leave a comment if you have any questions or suggestions for me. Lively conversations are always welcome.

Based on past reader ideas, I featured a very successful blog series for writers and creatives called "Organizing the Writing Life". Click here to read all twelve posts; each one provides solid insight and practical methods for making one's writing life more efficient, productive and enjoyable.

November 18, 2007

I'm in the midst of my third NaNoWriMo novel, the final in a trilogy. For the last two years, I've written at least 50,000 words in November. This third year's participation makes it feel like a tradition. If for some reason I didn't participate next year, I'd really feel like I was missing something vital, akin to a holiday or an annual reunion.

What's surprising me so much this go-around is that I know the characters so well that they are telling me their story quite clearly. The writing flows so fluidly in some places that I can type 1,000 words quickly, non-stop. I am beginning to see how some writer's might
form a "novel habit" — regular novel writing results in a constant,
prolific ease of wordiness. (Think Ray Bradbury and J.K. Rowling...)

After these wordy bursts, I then stop to look at what's shown up on the page. I certainly didn't have any of that in mind ahead of time, I think to myself. Perhaps a kernel of a starting point, but not the surprise that I see before me.

Could all of these plot twists and turns be in me, waiting for me to write them out? If they are, how long have they been within my mind and heart? Was I born with them? Did I form them during my intensely imaginative childhood years? Or did they just arrive at the moment I typed, like some lively, anecdote-filled guests who have shown up suddenly and happily?

This third noveling attempt is confirming the following for me: to know a character and a story, one has to write it out. Wherever it lives, either in the heart or brain or floating around in the air we breathe, it doesn't fully materialize until pen is on paper, moving and scribbling, or fingers are on keyboard, typing. The story has to come through somehow; it is not a complete story if we are just considering it within our own thoughts. It has to be let out of our holding tanks. It has to be actioned into existence.

September 05, 2007

Inspired by this list from "Life is a Journal" by Allen Galbraith, I ask you, Dear Blog Readers:

What do you write in your notebooks?

After flipping through the notebook I'm currently using, I've culled a top 5:

1. Blog post ideas2. Various writing drafts (though never the final one)3. Lots of poetry and poetic phrases/imagery4. An occasional to-do list5. Ideas, ideas, and more ideas!

From my quick study, I've realized that I use my notebook for everything. Though I try to keep phone messages on their own pad, quite a few have sneaked into the place I use solely for "creative expression".

May 23, 2007

Comedian John Cleese (above right, attempting to return his "faulty" parrot to fellow Python Michael Palin), of the hilarious Monty Python, has this to say about following your intuition:

If you can allow yourself to trust those little movements round your gut that tell you when something is interesting or exciting, they will tell you where to go.

So, Writers -- four questions (to be answered in the comments if you choose):

1. Do you listen to your gut/intuition when it comes to writing? 2. How do you know when it's speaking to you? 3. What does it say? * BONUS (as I'm slightly opening a metaphysical door) 4. Does it leave you alone when you ignore it, or does it find other ways to get its message heard?

To start, here are mine:

1. Yes.2. A seemingly random phrase, word or image stays with me, repeats in my thoughts. These are usually a "clue" to what my intuition wants me to pay attention to.3. Lots of things! With story lines, I'll often have an urge to try out a scene which doesn't make sense at first glance. Yet as I write, pieces fall into place; more often than not, I keep the scene in place and go from there.* BONUS 4. I tend not to ignore my intuition; it almost always provides me with information I cannot find anywhere else. My intuition can be reasoned with, though. It's another option -- an extremely powerful, underrated, and misunderstood one, I find -- to consider when making decisions while writing.

May 08, 2007

If you're joining us again, welcome back! If you're new to the series, I want to introduce you to guest blogger Sharon Sarmiento, an Online Business Manager whose work "involves managing the daily operations of online businesses and
streamlining processes to maximize personal and business productivity." She also writes an inspiring blog, eSoup, and her passion for helping people thrive in their lives through better organization has landed her in the BostonGlobe and more than twenty other newspapers.

In addition to running her own e-business, Sharon is a painter and writer
who is familiar with the organizational struggles that creatives face.
For today, Sharon will generously share
her knowledge and insight to benefit us all. Today's topic, based on blog-reader questions, is:

Working with a Virtual Assistant

Reader questions:What does it cost to hire a Virtual Assistant? What is it like working with one?

Sharon's answer:

Regarding cost, isn't this the question everyone wonders? :-)

VA's are in private practice, so they set their fees according to their skills, their experience, their reputation and their niche. In general, you can expect to pay between $30-$75 per hour for a top-notch Virtual Assistant.

Remember that a VA's time is 100% productive. You don't pay for down time, only for the time that the VA spends actively working on your stuff. You also don't have the headache that goes along with having an employee (payroll, worker's comp, health insurance, yada yada).

It's a relationship between equals, not a boss/employee sort of thing, so there's no managing or supervising involved (at least this is the way I and the VA's I know do it). Also, when you're working solo, it's especially helpful to have another person who knows you and your business inside and out who you can bounce ideas off of and brainstorm with. Your VA is there to clink the virtual glass of champagne with you :-) when you've had a milestone or success, and they're also there to console and encourage you when you're going through a hard time. It goes way beyond just completing tasks of the moment.

I approach a VA/Client relationship as a collaborative, long-term partnership, a nurturing relationship where we both join forces to work toward the client's goals. It totally shatters the old fashioned boss-assistant paradigm (in a good way!).

Wrap-up note from Sharon:

It's been a pleasure and a privilege to be able to guest blog on "Write now is good.", and I've enjoyed it. You readers have asked some wonderful questions and made encouraging comments, and I appreciate that!

I hope all of you have gotten something out of the series, and that all this productivity stuff doesn't seem overwhelming or like too much trouble. I know it's easy to get excited about "getting organized," but then when you're in the trenches, it can seem like a lot of work, which can be discouraging.

It doesn't have to be that way, though. Any tiny amount of getting things out of your head and into a list will help with your peace of mind. You can take baby steps at first, and over time work up to the more full throttle stuff. :-)

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Any questions or comments for Sharon? We want to hear from you — drop a comment, and let's keep the conversation going.

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Thank you so much, Sharon, for teaching us so much about ways to make our writing and creative lives more efficient and productive. I found your words helpful and inspiring.

And thank you, everyone, for reading, asking, commenting and being part of the conversation. We couldn't have done this without you!

May 07, 2007

Guest blogger and organization guru Sharon Sarmiento will present her last post on "Organizing the Writing Life" here at "Write now is good." tomorrow. In it, she'll discuss how to find and work with a "virtual assistant," and also provide some parting words of wisdom to creative types longing to get more organized.

If you've had any lingering questions or comments, tomorrow will be a great time to share them.

May 01, 2007

If you're joining us again, welcome back! If you're new to the series, I want to introduce you to guest blogger Sharon Sarmiento, an Online Business Manager whose work "involves managing the daily operations of online businesses and
streamlining processes to maximize personal and business productivity." She also writes an inspiring blog, eSoup, and her passion for helping people thrive in their lives through better organization has landed her in the BostonGlobe and more than twenty other newspapers.

In addition to running her own e-business, Sharon is a painter and writer
who is familiar with the organizational struggles that creatives face.
For today and next Tuesday, Sharon will generously share
her knowledge and insight to benefit us all. Today's topic, based on blog-reader questions, is:

Delegate tasks to save time

Reader question: What tasks can a writer delegate to save time?

Sharon's answer:

Great question! This is kind of subjective, though, because each writer’s day is different. What I recommend is to keep a pad of paper with you for a week or so. As you’re going about your day and doing tasks, write down anything that you’re doing that doesn't absolutely need your personal attention to get done. This could be managing your email, making phone calls, proof reading, paying your bills, keeping on top of your schedule, buying gifts for upcoming birthdays -- ­it doesn't have to be stuff associated with writing.

The idea is for a Virtual Assistant (VA) to take as much off your plate as possible so that you can focus on the things that only you can do (such as the writing).

In general though, here are a few writing-related activities that a Virtual Assistant could help with:

1. Online research: This could be research to be included in the book you’re writing (example: if you’re writing a historical or non-fiction book) or it could be marketing research. I've worked with one author who, before pitching a book idea to his editor, asked me to research the top-selling books in his niche, how popular they were, and what topics they were about. He also wanted me to tell him if I noticed any potential areas within his niche that weren't yet being covered by other books. With the info I brought back to him, when he was pitching his new idea for a book, he was able to honestly tell his editor/publisher that there were no other books on the market on his proposed book topic yet. After doing the research, I also helped him brainstorm some hooks and different angles to make his book more marketable.

2. Organizing online and offline marketing for the book: This could be organizing a virtual or “real life” ;-) book launch and all the marketing facets that go along with it (blog, online article writing and submission, public appearances at bookstores, e-mail newsletter). A Virtual Assistant would also be the main contact person to send free books to reviewers, journalists, and radio and TV hosts. A VA could also be the networker who works with venues where the author might want to appear. (See my article on how to do an online book launch.)

3. Managing your blog. Lots of writers are now using blogs to develop the content of their books, and Virtual Assistants can manage the blogging admin (posting, managing comments and emails related to the blog). If you're a writer who does online article submission, your VA can also set up your account at the article submission site and execute the online article writing campaign. (I've got a post called "HowTo Execute A Kick-ass Online Article Writing Campaign" if you're interested.)

4. Managing your schedule and being your “gatekeeper”. Wouldn't it be nice if we all had someone standing between us and the folks who want stuff from us? This is sort of like having a bodyguard :-) except a VA is guarding your *time* instead of your body. When a VA is your gatekeeper, no one gets to you without first going through the VA (except for friends and family, of course!), and anytime you're asked to do something that you don't want to do, the VA politely declines on your behalf. I've also noticed that when you have a VA who is your gatekeeper/representative, it makes a very professional impression on everyone who contacts you. It's like people think, "La-de-da, you've got your own assistant now. Aren't we moving up in the world :-)?" Watch out though -- your friends and colleagues will be green with envy! After all, who wouldn't love having an assistant?

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Any questions or comments for Sharon? We want to hear from you — drop a comment, and let's keep the conversation going.

Our next, and last, week's topic (May 8th): Working with a Virtual Assistant, and Series Wrap-up

Hello and welcome!

My name is Kristin Gorski. I recently earned my doctorate (EdD) in instructional technology and media. My research focuses on technology and literacies, writing in digital spaces, and how media literacy may support academic literacy (among other incredibly interesting topics). On occasion, I’m also a freelance writer and editor. “Write now is good.” is my personal blog about writing, creativity and inspiration (with healthy doses of technology in relevant places). I started it in blogging's heyday (2006) and still post to it, time permitting. If you'd like to collaborate on a project, have writing/technology/creativity info to share, or want to say, "Hi," contact me at kgwritenow (at) yahoo dot com.
To read more about me, click on the "ABOUT" link below.